In a deeply raw time for us all, I’ve been reminded of the power of practicing one’s courage even when we don’t feel like it, even when it’s terrifying, and no matter the outcome.
Courage is showing up anyway.
Releasing all outcomes.
Courage is embodying our beliefs consistently–whether no one is watching or the whole world is watching.
Courage in practice is universal language that empowers all of us.
It can be inspiring to witness courage in others. We marvel at their bravery in motion and yet, can often feel set apart from them somehow. “I couldn’t do that, I’m not that brave, …”
However, when we see courage in practice in others, we must remember we are actually witnessing their vulnerability. Simply put, courage and vulnerability are one. As Dr. Brené Brown says, “we cannot get to courage without walking through vulnerability.”
A wonderful benchmark of our courage in action is by observing how (and how often) we lean into our vulnerability in practice.
As we head into the end of this year, let’s choose to practice our courage more consciously. Let’s practice it where most meaningful for us. Whether taking action, deepening awareness, or a blend of the two, may we lean into our practice with all we’ve got, friends.
Ten Ideas for Courageous Practice
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Choose the strength of vulnerability — in a meeting, conversation, a new connection.
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Listen to your small, deep inner voice. Listen to the whisper before it becomes a yell.
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Show up when it’s the right thing, even when nerves, loneliness, or fear are present.
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Make the first move to build a connection, network, or explore a new opportunity.
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Get still. Stop wearing stress and the mighty to-do list as a badge of honor.
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Choose self-care as an anchor to your hard work rather than a reward for it.
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Take the next right step, the next right action that serves your highest good.
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Establish or re-establish your boundaries. Embody your beliefs and stick to them.
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Give your pride a rest and own your mistakes. Share them with a loved one.
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Reconnect with someone you love that you haven’t given time and space to lately.
Everything we want is on the other side of our courage and the world needs us awake–leading, living, and loving with intention.
Thank you all for being here in this Thrive Global community–whether you are raising your voice in the comments or simply reading and scrolling on by. Something brought you to this virtual space–hopefully something is staying with you too.
No matter where you are or what you believe, we need you. All of you. We need your own unique courage in this world. Do the best you can with what you have each day. Trust yourself. And know this global community is joining with you and standing alongside you. As Rumi said, “we’re all just walking each other home.”
Thanks for walking together, Thrive friends.